# Netherlands regional transport labor dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-regional-transport-labor-dispute > Updated: 2026-10-21T11:09:09.000Z. Sources: 42. Developments: 5. Labor disputes in the Netherlands have escalated following the collapse of negotiations between unions FNV and CNV and the employers' association VWOV regarding a new collective labor agreement (CAO). The unions are protesting proposed changes to working conditions, such as reduced sick pay and less control over schedules, while demanding wage increases between 6% and 9.5% over two years. Following the breakdown in talks, unions initiated a series of weekly strikes scheduled to occur one day per week through the Christmas period. The industrial action began in mid-October, impacting major regional providers including Arriva, EBS, Qbuzz, Keolis, and Transdev. While some operators like Arriva reported maintaining significant portions of their schedules, others like Keolis advised passengers to seek alternative transport. Notably, NS trains are not participating in the strike as they operate under a separate collective agreement. On October 22, workers were scheduled to hold a second major nationwide strike. Representing approximately 13,000 employees, the unions protested a ‘package of deteriorations,’ including shorter notice periods for roster changes and the introduction of up to 45 minutes of unpaid breaks per shift. However, the planned strike for Thursday, October 22, has been cancelled. Following a new proposal from the employers' organization VWOV, the unions have agreed to a two-week truce to resume negotiations. Union negotiators stated that employers have withdrawn previous proposals to worsen working conditions, such as unfavorable scheduling, and have made concrete commitments regarding wages and regulations for older employees. While this suspension offers temporary relief for commuters, unions have not ruled out future strikes if an agreement is not reached, noting that new actions could potentially resume as early as November 4 or 7. ## Claims - The unions plan to strike one day per week until Christmas. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Negotiations for a new collective labor agreement (CAO) stalled in July. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Employers proposed including 45-minute unpaid breaks in work schedules. (corroborated by 2 sources) - CNV is demanding a 9.5 percent wage increase over two years. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Employers claim there is insufficient financial space to meet union demands. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The strike affects regional train connections such as Zwolle–Kampen and Zwolle–Enschede. (corroborated by 2 sources) - During the first strike on October 14, approximately 90 percent of buses did not run. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: Netherlands regional transport strike cancelled as negotiations resume Dutch regional transport strikes are cancelled for two weeks as unions and employers resume CAO negotiations following new concessions on wages and working conditions. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-labor-unions-reach-agreements-on-vvt-and-public-transport-collective-labor-agreements ### 2026-10-19: Netherlands public transport workers announce second national strike Dutch transport unions FNV and CNV have called for a nationwide strike on October 22, marking the second of weekly actions planned until Christmas due to stalled collective labor agreement negotiations. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-public-transport-workers-to-strike-again-on-thursday ### 2026-10-14: Netherlands regional transport strike disrupts bus and train services Regional transport workers in the Netherlands have begun a 24-hour strike over a stalled collective labor agreement, causing widespread bus and train disruptions across several provinces. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-public-transport-workers-begin-weekly-strikes ### 2026-10-11: Netherlands regional transport workers begin weekly strikes Dutch regional transport workers have begun a series of weekly strikes through Christmas due to failed collective labor agreement negotiations, causing widespread bus and regional train disruptions. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-transport-workers-in-the-netherlands-to-strike-weekly-until-christmas ### 2026-10-09: Netherlands transport workers to strike over labor dispute Approximately 13,000 Dutch transport workers will strike on October 14 following failed labor negotiations. Unions threaten weekly strikes through Christmas if wage and scheduling demands are not met. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/garden-seed-industry-reaches-new-collective-labor-agreement --- Cite as: Netherlands regional transport labor dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-regional-transport-labor-dispute